UK engineers look abroad for better pay and conditions

The UK could be losing its engineers to continental companies which are offering better salaries and working conditions, according to the latest findings of an Institution of Mechancial Engineers (IMechE) survey.

The institute asked people if they thought British engineers were taking their skills abroad in favour of more money and better work environments. Results out today show 57% said yes they are moving abroad, 13% said no, and the remainder were unsure.

The survey’s findings coincide with today’s stark estimation that 105,000 manufacturing jobs were lost from the sector over the past year. The TUC has urged the Government to stem job losses in manufacturing firms by reviewing the help it gives companies.

The TUC said engineers needed better pensions, childcare provision and decent wages in a 36-page submission to the Government and urged it to examine how other European and continental countries are supporting the industry.